Digital Assets, Crypto Tax, and EAs: Insights with Tynisa Gaines

In this episode of The Enrolled Agent Advocate, host Brandy Spears (NAEA) speaks with Tynisa Gaines, EA, a project manager at TokenTax, and an influential thought leader in the world of cryptocurrency taxation. Tynisa shares her fascinating journey from military spouse to becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA), expanding into the emerging field of crypto tax reporting, and offering valuable insights on how tax professionals can adapt to the changing tax landscape. Ty also discusses her work as Editor-in-Chief of the EA Journal, where she curates the latest trends in tax law and practice management, and her passion for educating other professionals in the industry.

Whether you're a tax professional looking to specialize in crypto tax or just curious about the latest developments in tax law and EA education, this episode is packed with useful information you won’t want to miss.

Why Listen

• Learn how Tynisa Gaines transitioned from traditional tax preparation to become a thought leader in cryptocurrency tax.

• Gain insights on how emerging technologies like crypto are influencing tax preparation and reporting.

• Discover the role of Enrolled Agents (EAs) in the modern tax landscape, especially in niche areas like digital asset taxation.

• Get valuable tips on navigating the complexities of tax law updates, including changes in digital assets and tax reporting.

In This Episode

• [00:00:00] Welcome and Introduction

• [00:02:39] Tynisa’s Tax Journey: From Military Spouse to Enrolled Agent

• [00:05:00] The Shift to Crypto Taxation: A New Niche in the Tax World

• [00:09:00] The Evolution of Crypto Tax Reporting

• [00:12:00] Behind the EA Journal: Expanding Thought Leadership in Tax

• [00:15:00] The Role of Education: Teaching Tax, Crypto, and More

• [00:18:00] Overcoming Challenges: Finding Diversity and New Voices in Tax

• [00:22:00] Future Trends: What to Expect in Tax and Crypto in 2025

• [00:25:00] Tynisa’s Advice for Aspiring Tax Educators and Thought Leaders

• [00:30:00] Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

Notable Quotes

• “I want people to understand that you don’t have to turn away crypto clients if you understand the basics.” — Tynisa Gaines

• “The journal is a great platform for tax professionals to showcase their expertise and get published.” — Tynisa Gaines

• “Do not rely on AI to do your research. Perfect your craft and be the expert in your field.” — Tynisa Gaines

• “You cannot spell great without EA!” — Brandy Spears

Our Guest

Tynisa Gaines, EA,  known as Ty, is a project manager and expert writer at TokenTax with more than 20 years of experience as a tax professional. She has worked in various settings, including retail offices and private EA/CPA firms. Licensed in both tax preparation and audit representation, Ty has been quoted and published in well-known publications such as Reuters, The Hill, and Accounting Today. She has also written two tax e-books and a scholarly article on cryptocurrency taxation in the National Income Tax Book.

Ty is currently the Editor-in-Chief of the EA Journal and has taught tax courses for EAs, CPAs, and at institutions like Northern Virginia Community College and the Virginia Tech Income Tax School. Her expertise has been featured in interviews with MarketWatch, and she has made appearances on Barron’s Live and The Newscast with Wolf Blitzer.

Ty holds a B.S. in Industrial Psychology from the University of Illinois and an MPA in Public Pers